For many авто enthusiasts, there’s a turning point where the undeniable allure of a Jeep becomes apparent. For me, slipping behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Gladiator for the first time was that very moment of realization.
The 2023 Gladiator is a vehicle that challenges conventional aesthetics, can be a bit boisterous at higher speeds, and might feel the push of strong winds. However, these quirks are easily overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment it delivers. In fact, it might just be the most fun I’ve ever had in a pickup truck.
An In-Depth Look: My 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport Review
This Jeep Gladiator review stems from a personal experience – I rented the Sport model shown in these images with my own money. This ensures an unbiased and forthright perspective, free from any external pressures or obligations. What follows are my genuine, unfiltered thoughts on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator.
Experiencing the Jeep Gladiator firsthand: “Now I understand the hype.” It took a while, but the fun factor of a Jeep is now undeniably clear.
Initial Thoughts: Embracing the Unconventional
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Gladiator’s styling. Objectively, it’s not going to win any beauty contests. In fact, I initially found the Gladiator to be among the less visually appealing vehicles on the road. Yet, this “ugliness” possesses a unique charm. Its distinct appearance, unlike any other pickup truck, is actually a strong point. It’s so strikingly different – and yes, unconventional in its looks – that it’s hard not to appreciate its unique, almost “ugly duckling” appeal. It’s a case of being so ugly it’s cool, which, in a strange way, makes perfect sense.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport in white: A uniquely styled truck that stands out from the crowd. Hopefully, the puddles underneath are not indicative of why the rental deal was so favorable.
Rear three-quarter view of the white 2023 Jeep Gladiator: The distinctive design from every angle. The rear design is…distinctive, to put it mildly.
Front end detail of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Unmistakably Jeep. There’s no mistaking that iconic Jeep grille, unless you’re a very young child who thinks every car is a Lamborghini.
White 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport with a contrasting black roof: A polarizing yet recognizable design. Is it love or hate? Perhaps a bit of both. One thing is for sure, you’ll never lose it in a parking lot.
Full profile shot of the 2023 white Jeep Gladiator: Showcasing its unique truck and Jeep DNA.
Inside the Gladiator: Rugged Simplicity and Functionality
For those who have read my previous piece on Jeep Gladiator pros and cons, you’ll know I’m a fan of the interior. It might even seem like I’ve been a Jeep enthusiast my whole life based on my praise.
Interior view of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator in gray: A functional and rugged cabin. The interior of the 2023 Gladiator isn’t about winning design awards, but it has won me over. I genuinely appreciate its rugged character and straightforward design. The use of materials that can be easily cleaned – hosed down and wiped off – is a major plus. It feels like a truck inside, and avoids any unnecessary frills or luxury. In my opinion, this is exactly what a Jeep interior should be.
Close-up of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator’s climate controls: Practical knobs and buttons for easy use. Kudos to Jeep for including physical climate control buttons and knobs! They are easily operated even with gloves on, or, hypothetically, if you were not entirely sober – not that I would ever condone such behavior.
Dashboard and interior layout of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Clearly designed with functionality in mind. No, there’s no chance of mistaking this for a Lamborghini interior. This dashboard is unmistakably Jeep.
Rear seating area in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Spacious enough for passengers. Speaking of discerning youngsters, they will likely adore the backseat area. It offers ample room for anyone under six feet tall.
Overhead console and speaker in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Highlighting the utilitarian design. Let’s be clear – the interior is decidedly utilitarian. Words like ‘burly’ might better describe some of the hard plastics and exposed fiberglass.
Steering wheel and gauge cluster of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Simple, clean, and well-organized. The steering wheel and gauge cluster are refreshingly simple, clean, and organized. If only the exterior design had borrowed some of this restraint.
Infotainment system displaying Apple CarPlay in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Modern tech with some quirks. Good news: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported! Bad news: the screen utilization for these features is less than ideal, leaving unused space which feels a bit frustrating.
Driver’s perspective inside the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Exploring the controls and layout. “What exactly does this button do?” There are always a few mysteries in a new vehicle.
Detailed interior elements of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Showcasing the textures and finishes.
On the Road: Driving Dynamics and Handling
The 2023 Gladiator Sport Edition is surprisingly easy to live with as a daily driver. The steering is light, perhaps even a tad too light for some, making it as manageable as driving a compact car, like a 2017 Kia Forte. Visibility from the driver’s seat is generally good. The main blind spot that bothered me was over the left shoulder.
Point-of-view shot driving the 2023 Jeep Gladiator in a wooded area: Highlighting its adventurous spirit. Forget “zoom zoom,” this is Jeep territory. Driving the 2023 Gladiator is surprisingly straightforward, much like a small economy car. However, where the Gladiator truly shines is its ability to handle rough roads. Compared to something like a 2021 Toyota Tacoma, the Gladiator absorbs bumps smoothly, without the rear end feeling unstable. It feels planted and composed on almost any surface.
Over-the-hood view while driving the 2023 Jeep Gladiator on a scenic road: Emphasizing the enjoyable driving experience. I won’t claim it’s as thrilling as a 2016 Corvette Stingray, but… it’s surprisingly close in terms of driving fun.
2023 Jeep Gladiator cruising on the freeway: Assessing its on-road capabilities. To be clear, it’s not nearly as fast or as sharp-handling as a Corvette. But, the ability to drive over road imperfections without noticing is definitely a plus.
Engine and Transmission Performance
The 2023 Gladiator comes with a 3.6L V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. My verdict? It could use more power. While it’s adequate for maintaining speed, acceleration, particularly from a standstill, feels sluggish. Merging onto highways can feel a bit more dramatic than it should.
Close-up of the 3.6L V6 engine in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Examining its power unit. If you could see my other hand, it would be giving this 3.6L V6 a playful gesture while framing the shot.
Engine bay of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator with the hood open: Limited space for modifications. Unfortunately, the engine bay doesn’t offer much room for aftermarket upgrades like a nitrous kit or turbos – enhancements it arguably could benefit from.
Cargo and Utility Considerations
Despite being a pickup truck, the Gladiator’s bed is on the smaller side for the segment. It’s not the ideal truck for those who frequently need to haul large or bulky items. Transporting a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood? That’s not going to happen easily.
The bed of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator with the tailgate down: Highlighting its compact size. Isn’t it…charming? Fitting a snowmobile, or more than a few…items, in the bed will be a challenge. However, it’s worth noting that the towing capacity is a respectable 7,700 lbs for a truck of this size. It may not feel like it has that much pulling power, but the numbers speak for themselves.
Tow hooks on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Ready for recovery situations. These tow hooks will definitely come in handy – likely when your friend in a lifted F450 needs to pull you out of the mud.
Off-Road Prowess: Surprisingly Capable
The Gladiator tested here is the base ‘Sport’ model. It comes with street tires (245/75R17) and a street-tuned suspension. Yet, even in this basic configuration, it demonstrated impressive off-road capability, easily tackling terrain that would be challenging, if not impossible, for many midsize SUVs.
17-inch wheels and tires on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport: Surprisingly capable even with street tires. You might be surprised at how well these 17-inch street tires handle curbs and rocks. No comment on handling anything else.
Fuel Efficiency: Prepare for Frequent Fill-Ups
Perhaps it’s the aerodynamic profile of a brick, but the fuel economy with the 3.6L V6 engine is, frankly, terrible. I averaged a mere 19 miles per gallon over two days of driving – and I wasn’t exactly driving aggressively.
Refueling the 2023 white Jeep Gladiator: Highlighting its thirsty nature. Glug, glug, glug. Bottoms up, buddy. It’s a good thing I’m enjoying this drive, otherwise, I’d be much less forgiving about the horrendous gas mileage.
Final thoughts on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator: A fun but flawed truck. This truck is penalized heavily for its poor fuel economy!
In conclusion, Jeep Gladiator Reviews often highlight a vehicle that is far from perfect, but brimming with character and fun. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport, despite its polarizing looks, underwhelming engine performance, and dismal fuel economy, delivers an enjoyable and unique driving experience, particularly for those who value ruggedness and off-road capability. If you’re looking for a truck that blends Jeep’s iconic DNA with open-air freedom and truck utility (albeit a smaller bed), the Gladiator is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to embrace its quirks and frequent gas station visits.
